Fine Line Tattoos FAQs

 
 

Fine-line tattoos are done using a small needle configuration to create thin, highly-detailed pieces. Although often referred to as “tiny” or “micro” tattoos, Fine Line Tattoos can be done on both a large and small scale.

Valley Roots Studio specializes in minimalist designs in black and grey. Pricing and booking details for all styles can be found below.

Artists

Valley Roots Studio is home to three Fine Line Tattoo Artists:

  • Britt Steel, Senior Tattoo Artist & Owner
  • Alex Jones, Resident Tattoo Artist
  • Emily Rohland, Tattoo Apprentice

Pricing

Britt Steel
$165 per hour
$50 design fee for custom art 2-6 inches in size
$100 design fee for custom art 6+ inches in size

Alex Jones
$150 per hour
$50 design fee for custom art

Emily Rohland
$80 per hour
$30 design fee for custom art

Minimum of 1 hour.

Styles

Fine Line Tattoos can be done in a variety of different styles, from small or simple linework, to larger, more intricate pieces that include shading, depth, and realism.

While all of our Artists offer a multitude of different options, each of them does have a unique style and artistic preference. Please read on to best understand which Artist may be right for you.

Britt Steel would describe her style as leaning toward more feminine and earthy. She is drawn toward florals, animals, and every day objects. Britt works almost exclusviely within the "Fine Line" style, working with only 1-3 needles. She specializes in minimalist Linework and soft Microrealism, and works EXCLUSIVELY in black and grey.


Alex Jones leans more toward eclectic tattoos; she enjoys funny, weird, or spooky designs, but also loves ornamentals and cute animals. Though Alex's work is still considered "thin" (based on traditional industry standards), she no longer works with 1-3 needle configurations, and instead prefers slightly bolder lines.


Emily Rohland enjoys tattoos of any kind, but is particularly drawn to nature-inspured art and ornamentals. During her apprenticeship, Emily is currrently only offering tattoos up to 8 inches in size, with linework and minimalist dotwork, and is not yet tattooing the neck, stomach, or ribs.

Booking

  • Britt's books are currently closed. She books primarily through a Waitlist, which you can sign up for by clicking here. Britt opens her books every quarter; those on the Waitlist will have the first opportunity to book, and if there are remaining availablities, this page will be updated with links to her calendar. Please visit the bottom of this page for more information about Linework vs. Microrealism.
  • Alex is accepting new clients. You can book with her by clicking here. Through her page, you will have the option to fill out a Custom Request Form, or immediately book one of her Flash designs (Alex's Flash can be seen on her Instagram).
  • Emily is accepting new clients. You can book with her by clicking here. Through her page, you will have the option to fill out a Custom Request Form, or immediately book one of her Flash designs (Emily's Flash can be seen on her Instagram).

How To Prepare

Before coming to your tattoo appointment, please:

  • Do not pre-numb yourself (this changes the texture of the skin and makes it more difficult to work on).We understand if you are concerned about the pain, but Fine Line Tattooing is done as gently as possible and generally very tolerable.
  • Eat beforehand. Avoid caffeine and alcohol (we will not be able to tattoo you if you are under the influence).
  • Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to adjust or remove in order to reach the tattooing area.

Touchups

A touchup is NOT always required, but may be needed.

Fine Line Tattoos are intended to be as thin as possbile, which can make the ink more susceptible to disruption during the healing process. Design, placement, skin type, and aftercare will also play a role in the healed results of a Fine Line Tattoo.

Fine Line Tattoos are suitable for any place on the body; however, tattoos on the hands and fingers generally require several touchups to achieve the desired retention. This is due to the amount of exposure, namely to moisture, that these areas undergo. Please keep this in mind when booking hand and finger tattos.

To request a touchup, please email a healed photo of your tattoo to your original Artist.

Matching Tattoos

Want to come in with a friend, family member, or partner and get matching tattoos? We love it! When filling out the Tattoo Request Form, there will be a box to check if you and a friend want to come in together.

Linework vs Microrealism

Linework
Linework tattoos have a solid black outline around all elements of the tattoo, and include little-to-no shading. These can range anywhere from simple script, to large floral pieces with subtle accents.

Microrealism
Microrealism tattoos have no solid black outline. They are done with heavy contrasts of shading, and are intended to resemble a real image as much as possible. Because of their high level of detail, this style takes longer than standard linework.

If you're unsure which style you want, that's okay! Britt will make a suggestion based on your description and reference photos.